Police charge 6 people for by-election clash

Six people have been charged with hooliganism for fighting outside a polling station during the by-elections for Sakrebulo (local council).

Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs today announced six people had been officially charged for their involvement in the clash in Kortskheli village, Zugdidi municipality, on May 22. The fight left dozens of people battered and bruised after supporters of opposing political parties started fighting one another.

The Ministry identified the six offenders as Giorgi S, Koba S, Giorgi S, Noshrevan S, Grigol T and Vladimer S. 

The six men voluntarily turned themselves in to police and offered testimonies regarding the incident. The men have been officially charged with hooliganism. 

The Ministry said all sides of the clash have been investigated and several people have been questioned about their involvement in the incident.

Georgia’s Chief Prosecutor’s Office said the prosecution would demand bail as a preventive measure for the six men. 

The incident happened on May 22 outside a polling station for the Sakrebulo (local council) by-elections in Kortskheli village, Zugdidi municipality. A clash broke out between supporters of the ruling Georgian Dream-Democratic Georgia (GDDG) party and opposition United National Movement (UNM).

The incident was strongly condemned by Georgia’s Prime Minister, who called it "absolutely deplorable” and tasked the Ministry of Justice to draft amendments that would ensure tough punishment for future election violations.